St Mary's Church in Darłowo

St Mary's Church in Darłowo is a brick church whose official dedication today is Our Lady of Częstochowa. It is a parish church run by the Franciscans. Inside stand the sarcophagi of the Dukes of Pomerania, and next to it grows an oak planted in 1817.

Construction and history

Construction of the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was begun in 1321 by Konrad, Bishop of Kamień, and the tower was built in 1394 with funds from Duke Bogusław VIII.

A sacristy and side chapels were added later. From 1540 the church belonged to the Protestants. It was often struck by fires, and in 1679, after a lightning strike, the whole interior burned down together with the tower. In 1897 wooden galleries, typical of Protestant churches, were added, and they were removed in 1974 when the Gothic character of the building was restored.

Sarcophagi of the Dukes of Pomerania

Among the most valuable monuments of the church are the sarcophagi of the Dukes of Pomerania: Eric I, Elisabeth, wife of the last duke, Bogusław XIV, and Hedwig, wife of Ulrich, brother of Bogusław XIV.

The Dukes of Pomerania were associated with Darłowo, where the Castle of the Pomeranian Dukes stands. The furnishings also include a Renaissance pulpit from 1684, four Baroque paintings from the first half of the 18th century, six portraits of apostles from the late 17th century, a Renaissance baptismal font from the 16th century, Baroque choir stalls, a crucifix and a tabernacle from the 17th century, and a brass chandelier with an angel. The organ case dates from 1853.

The Franciscans and the “Martin Luther” oak

The Franciscans took over the church on 14 August 1945, and since 1951 it has been a parish church. In 1962 the dedication was changed to Our Lady of Częstochowa.

Next to the church grows a natural monument, the oak “Marcin Luter”, planted on 1 November 1817 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the Reformation. Since 1992 a cult of Our Lady of Fátima has been developing in the church. Nearby are also St Gertrude's Church and the town hall.

Practical information

• Address: Franciszkańska Street, Darłowo.
• This is an active parish church. Opening hours and the rules for visiting are given by the parish, so check them before your visit.